Kane Williamson Birthday Special: A Look at Best Knocks by New Zealand Skipper in International Cricket

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson celebrates his 29th birthday on Thursday. Born on  August 8, 1990, the veteran is one of the greatest batsmen in the modern era and was also the Man of the Tournament in the recently concluded ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. The New Zealand Cricket Team have now become a formidable force in international cricket and the right-handed batsman played a massive role in the growth of cricket in the nation. Kane Williamson’s Cheeky Tribute on Dale Steyn Retirement: New Zealand Skipper Recalls Moment When South African Great Cracked His Abdominal Guard.

The 29-year-old made his international debut on August 2010 and today the stalwart has become an undisputable legend of the game. Williamson has been a consistent performer for the Kiwis in all the formats of the game. The right-handed batsman has featured in 72 Tests, 149 ODIs and 57 T20Is in which he has accumulated 6139, 6133 and 1505 runs respectively. So, As Williamson turn 29, let's have a look at some of his best batting displays in International Cricket. Sachin Tendulkar Said This to Kane Williamson While Handing Him Player of the Tournament Trophy Post CWC 2019 Final.

135 Against Sri Lanka, Colombo

Kane Williamson shined in the second Test of  New Zealand's 2012 Tour of Sri Lanka. After the openers were dismissed early, the right-handed batsman played cautiously and tried to stitch a partnership with skipper Ross Taylor. The Tauranga-born showed great resilience on the turning tracks of Colombo and notched up his third Test ton. Williamson guided visitors to 412 in the first innings and New Zealand eventually won the match by 167 runs.

113 Against India, Auckland

The Kiwi vice-captain was at his premium best when India toured New Zealand in 2014, After displaying great performance in ODIs, Williamson shined in whites too. In the first test of the series, the right-handed batsman showed great technique against an experienced Indian bowling attack and notched up a ton in the first innings. New Zealand scored 503 runs in the first innings and later won the match by 40 runs.

118 against England, Southampton

The Kiwi batsman proved his mettle in the third ODI of New Zealand's 2015 Tour of England. The visitors lost early wickets while chasing a target of 302 but the vice-captain was not ready to put the guards down and toiled the English bowlers to all the parts of the ground. Williamson scored a magnificent century and guided his team to a three-wicket victory.

106 Against South Africa, Birmingham

New Zealand put up a great display in the 2019 edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup but their unbeaten streak came under a threat after the top order fumbled while chasing a tricky target against South Africa. However, the Kiwi skipper rose to the occasion again and scored a blistering hundred to help NZ cross the line by 3 wickets.

148 against West Indies, Manchester

The New Zealand captain was unstoppable in the 2019 World Cup. The right-handed-batsman delivered continuously despite the regular top-order collapse. However, his highest score in the tournament came against the Calypso Kings. Kane Williamson scored a magnificent ton and guided his team to 291 runs batting first, which proved to be enough and Blackcaps won the match by 5 runs.

So, these were some great knocks played by Kane Williamson in international cricket. The 29-year-old took over the reins of the team when Brendon McCullum decided to end his international career and Williamson delivered well. The right-handed-batsman did everything to guide his side to the maiden world cup in the CWC 2019. However, through ICC's controversial boundary rule, Williamson didn't get the trophy but he certainly won a lot of hearts.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 08, 2019 11:03 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).